The Future is Female

The world of scientific disciplines is not led only by men. The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Middle East Regional Young Talents Program showcases the women behind cutting-edge projects in the region, and OHLALA had the pleasure of interviewing some of them.

It’s not every day you see programmes that support women in the region, especially ones that have a significant impact. Now in its 12th year, the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Middle East Regional Young Talents Program, in partnership with Khalifa University of Science and Technology (in Abu Dhabi), does that consistently.

The initiative recognises the groundbreaking work of Arab women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), whose discoveries address urgent challenges and inspire future generations. The programme has a global reach. Since its launch in 1998, L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science has celebrated more than 4,700 researchers from over 140 countries and associated territories, with 63 from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), awarding a total of USD1.035 million in endowments to advance their research.

The 2025 edition honoured six remarkable Arab female researchers driving innovation in STEM. Despite the global barriers women in science continue to face, these scientists have achieved breakthroughs that are vital to the region’s future. They not only promote scientific progress but also serve as inspiring examples of perseverance and passion. OHLALA had the opportunity to interview them to bring awareness to their work and support this unique initiative.

OHLALA – How do you see the scientific field in the region? In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges scientists in the Middle East face?
Dr Ayat Hammad – The scientific field in the Middle East is advancing at an impressive pace, particularly in the Gulf region. In recent years, we’ve seen the establishment of new universities offering advanced graduate programmes and a growing enthusiasm among young researchers to pursue scientific careers. Investment in research funding is increasing, and regional and international collaborations are strengthening, raising both the quality and global visibility of scientific output. However, some challenges persist, such as difficulty in securing an international research grant. In addition, implementing clinical research and trials remains challenging in parts of the region, as patient participation and public awareness of their value are still developing. Overcoming these barriers through stronger regional networks and public engagement will be key to sustaining this momentum.
Dr Fatimah Abdulhakim – The scientific field in the Middle East is growing rapidly, driven by national strategies that prioritise research, innovation and talent development. We are seeing major investments in research centres, biotech, space exploration, agriculture, sustainability and environmental sciences. The region is shifting from being primarily a consumer of technology to becoming a producer of knowledge and solutions adapted to our unique environments. One of the key challenges is translating research outcomes into real-world applications. We have strong talent and research outputs, but we need stronger bridges between academia, industry and policy.
Ohood Al-Ghadani – I see that the scientific field in the Middle East is showing continuous growth and remarkable development, with women playing an increasingly important role that reflects their active contribution to this sector. According to UNESCO statistics, female STEM graduates in the Arab States represent a higher proportion than the global average, exceeding many other regions and highlighting a positive trend in science in the region. However, in my opinion, the field still faces challenges, including limited research funding in some countries and difficulties accessing advanced equipment and the resources needed to conduct high-quality scientific research.

OHLALA – How important are programmes like L’OréalUNESCO For Women in Science? What are the tangible benefits the region receives from initiatives like this

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